China has kicked off its commercial space endeavors for 2025 with a resounding success. On January 20, at precisely 6:11 p.m., Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. This mission, aptly named \"On Your Shoulders,\" signifies the country's commitment to advancing its commercial space industry.
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Among them were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch marks the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now placed a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
What sets the CERES-1 Y16 apart is that it is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new state-of-the-art research and development facility in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This milestone underscores the company's rapid growth and its pivotal role in China's burgeoning commercial space sector.
The quartet of Yunyao-1 satellites is equipped with advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments are designed to collect vital data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such information is crucial for improving meteorological observations and has promising applications in areas like the mining industry, particularly in developing satellite internet constellations.
The JTX A-05 satellite boasts a hyperspectral camera payload, enabling it to capture detailed remote sensing images. The data gathered can be utilized across a spectrum of fields, including environmental monitoring, detecting industrial emissions and gas leaks, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
While celebrating this achievement, Galactic Energy is already looking toward the future. In Beijing, the company is hard at work developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with an impressive payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer, the CERES-2 is slated to perform four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Moreover, the company is making significant strides in reusable rocket technology. The Pallas-1, Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, has completed the development of most key technologies. Liu Baiqi, the founder and CEO, announced at the Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 is expected to embark on its maiden flight in the first half of this year.
Galactic Energy's advancements not only mark significant milestones for China's commercial space industry but also contribute to global space exploration efforts. As the company continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, it positions itself as a significant player on the international stage.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
